One of the things that can make Eastern Orthodoxy challenging for people in the West to understand is its distinctly Eastern character. Our ancient Christian tradition emerges from cultures that are profoundly different from the post-Enlightenment West, with its emphasis on individualism and rationalism. 

For example, visitors to Orthodox churches often feel uneasy watching Orthodox faithful kiss icons, crosses, and the Gospel book. To Western eyes, such actions might seem strange or overly intimate. Within historically Orthodox cultures—many of which are deeply communal and emotionally expressive—this is a natural way to demonstrate love and reverence. For these cultures, there is nothing more natural than showing veneration for the scriptures, the cross, or the saints through such acts of devotion. 

Learning Orthodox Christianity is like learning a new language. It requires becoming familiar not only with the vocabulary but also with the “grammar” and “syntax” of the Faith. Only then does it start to really make sense.

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